Five minute patient visits starting at 8:00. Hour and a half for lunch starting anywhere from 12:30 to 2:00. Keyboard entries 20-40 times a day – must be accurate and no mistakes, life can depend on it.
Dealing with office politics, squabbling clerks, tired medical assistants. Dealing with insurance companies 20-40 times a day, filing claims as a courtesy to patients and not getting paid for the administrative time to do so for the benefit of the patient and the insurance company.
Handling referrals without getting paid for the administrative time involved.
Never knowing if the insurance companies are paying the correct, contractual amount because to audit 20-40 claims a day is expensive and adds even more administrative expenses.
The constant threat of lawsuits.
Spouse is at home playing footsie with the neighbor’s spouse and you’re wondering if your newborn is really yours.
The opioids in the cabinet brings tranquility at times.
Meanwhile, virtual care primary care physicians earn $400,000 to $500,000 per year from the comforts of their patio, umbrella drinks by the pool. Life is good.